running new speaker wire.

[sound pioneer]

Hey guys, I'm replacing the cheap 16ga. 5.1 speaker wire with 12ga in a 7.1 configuration. I'm going to run 2 pairs to the front 3 channels but I was wondering if it makes sense to do the same for the surrounds? For future bi-wiring or bi-amp setups......only want to do this once.

 

[Irvrobinson]

Forget future bi-amping and bi-wiring. Bi-wiring is completely useless, and bi-amping isn't effective, except in extraordinary circumstances.

 

[Soccerkid830]

Was going to say the same thing.

Should you choose to do active bi-amping on the fronts it'll become useful, for those only.
Active bi-amping on the surrounds seems a bit towards the useless side, in my eyes anyway.


Save yourself a few extra dollars and run one set of wires per speaker.

 

[sound pioneer]

Ok, well maybe I'll just run 2 pair to the front left & right.......give me something to play with down the road.

thanks

 

[BMXTRIX]

Also worth saying that you should check the chart and your distances that you are running the cabling because there is really nothing wrong with 16 gauge wiring. That's actually pretty typical wiring in a local surround sound setup. Much better than the 22 or 20 gauge wiring that often comes with home theater box setups.

If you aren't intending to be VERY serious about this room, then this may all just be a way to spend money instead of a way to improve the system, which would be a shame. If you have other work going on that opens walls up or are just having fun for the heck of it, then go ahead, I'm certainly not trying to stop you from having some fun!

 

[slipperybidness]

Also worth saying that you should check the chart and your distances that you are running the cabling because there is really nothing wrong with 16 gauge wiring. That's actually pretty typical wiring in a local surround sound setup. Much better than the 22 or 20 gauge wiring that often comes with home theater box setups.

If you aren't intending to be VERY serious about this room, then this may all just be a way to spend money instead of a way to improve the system, which would be a shame. If you have other work going on that opens walls up or are just having fun for the heck of it, then go ahead, I'm certainly not trying to stop you from having some fun!

Good point here. There's a good chance that he is indeed wasting time and money!

 

[sound pioneer]

Not trying to waste money.....just thought that the bigger gauge wire was prefered.
Total nub here....that's why I signed up on this forum. Need someone to hold may hand and walk me thru this. I just want a better than average setup or at last the best that I can afford.

And yes, trying to have some fun in the process too.

 

[Rickster71]

You'll need to know the distance and the load, at the least.
Use this chart: Speaker Wire
As was posted earlier, it's a good chance you can use the 16 AWG for the surrounds.
But why guess, when you can use the chart?
And still have fun.

 

[markw]

Not trying to waste money.....just thought that the bigger gauge wire was prefered.
Total nub here....that's why I signed up on this forum. Need someone to hold may hand and walk me thru this. I just want a better than average setup or at last the best that I can afford.

And yes, trying to have some fun in the process too.

As for te bolded, you do best putting your money where it will do the most good and, if you've only got a little cash now, keep saving until you can make a meaningful improvement, not a bunch of imaginary or insignificant ones.

Not being too quick to buy into the hype is what we try to help with.

 

[jonnythan]

Run two pair to each location. Not for bi-anything, but for extra channels. Front wides, Dolby Atmos, etc. 9.2 or 11.2 might be common in a decade and you won't want to have to rewire again.

Use 14g. Enough wire to do this will still be pretty cheap.